To put it quite simply…2009 sucked! I’m sure it sucked equally, if not worse, for millions of others. After a forced departure from my cushy bank job exactly 1 year ago, I’ve had a lot of time to experiment, to think about what I wanted to be “when I grow up!” During this time I’ve had a lot of experiences, mistakes and failures. But alas, I’ve learned from those experiences, mistakes and failures. For the person that coined the term (and I’m sure my Grandpa will take credit for it), “that which does not kill us, makes us a stronger person,” and I am living proof!
So 2009 was not a banner year for me on an economic scale…but I’ve learned some life lessons and a bit about myself as well.
- Humbleness. I realize that I am a “very confident person”, I’ve even been called arrogant. This may be because I realized a good bit of success early in my career, maybe it was because my mother told me I could do ANYTHING, and to not let other people tell me otherwise. Regardless, I’m still a positive, confident person, but my edge has definitely dulled. I’ve been humbled by life…life is a funny thing, its difficult, its challenging, but you must not take it for granted.
- I really give it to the TRUE entrepreneur! You really have to have chutzpah! I mean really, how do the serial entrepreneurs sleep! I don’t know how many nights I’ve laid in bed and thought to myself…”shit, what will happen if I fail!” I’ve been doing the entrepreneur thing for several months now…and it really is harder than it looks! I’ve tried it and I failed, but that’s ok…at least I can look back and say “I took it for a spin and its really not quite for me, but I’ve grown because of it.” Some may argue I did not give it enough time, but time is measured by how much money you have in your bank account.
- Having fun in life is underrated! Yes there is common recognition that a work/life balance is a must, but how many of us actually live by that mantra?! Unfortunately, I’ve done way too much working and worrying about how I’m going to pay the bills. This year, I’ve felt that I’ve not enjoyed life to its fullest, I have not had the time to truly enjoy the simpler things about it. I’ve always said, “be happy, enjoy life because you never know, one day you may be gone.”
- Family is #1. My family has been so supportive regarding everything I’ve done this year, and despite my failures, despite my obvious stress, they have still been supportive and believe that I am the GREATEST MAN/DAD ALIVE. Family support like that truly makes a difference during difficult times and I truly thank them for that….they are the GREATEST FAMILY ALIVE!
During the season of belief, hope and new beginnings…I believe 2010 will bring hope to not only my family, but to other families across the United States that have experienced some of the challenges that my family and I have. We are in a new world now…I think we all pretty much realize that. We have to adapt, we have to become stronger, we must realize that the things that truly are important are not parked in our garages or sit in our bank accounts. I’ve finally realized that (and that’s maybe because I don’t have much left in the latter) and I hope I can become a better, stronger person for that.
So with that said, there is exactly 4 weeks until I can say GOOD RIDDANCE 2009!! May 2010 be much brighter!
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